Note: I wrote most of this on Friday night and had to modify it for today. We’ll leave most of it for today.

Yes, it is for Friday and not Saturday, but that’s because we did our record shopping for this weekend at Underdog Records on Friday (and Saturday) for the Record Store Day Black Friday Edition (and Small Business Saturday). We were there at just before 5am and they opened at 8am. We were tired and after breakfast collapsed in bed for a few hours. We went back Saturday and But, here’s what we got:

All of these were brand new and with the exception of the Calexico, were “Record Store Day” releases.

Calexico – The Black Light — The non-RSD album we got and it’s a 20th Anniversary reissue and is a 2xLP on clear vinyl. These guys are great. Laid-back tex-mex/indie/alt-country music at its finest!

Cheap Trick – The Epic Archive Vol. 2 (1980-83) — We got the first volume this past RSD in April and I had to get this one. I bought two copies, one for Clay, which he paid me back for. I don’t really care much for this collection but hey, I have it. There are some good tunes on it, though.

José González – Veneer — 15th Anniversary reissue for RSD in a marbled-cream color. 2xLP and a very good listen from an Argentinian Swede. The name is very Latin but he’s from Sweden (his family is from Argentina). Good, laid-back indie folk music, this. You know the BCPF was all over this one. It was one of the two “must haves” for her on Friday.

The B-52’s – Cosmic Thing — Not quite 30 years but close since the release of this album. And, it’s much more than just “Love Shack,” “Roam” and “Channel Z.” A well-written album and the first after the death of Ricky Wilson in 1985. This is on a rainbow-splatter vinyl record.

Ella Fitzgerald – Ella At The Shrine — The only disappointment of the haul was this for me. It’s a “mini-album” so it’s kind of short. Along the lines of an EP, really. It’s a 12″ but it plays at 45 RPM like a 45/7″. I think the reason why I was disappointed is that the only time I don’t like her is when she goes on some scat rampage and this album was full of that. It’s annoying. It’s on cool mustard-colored vinyl, though.

Adam Sandler – What The Hell Happened To Me? — My second favorite Adam Sandler album and I got the first (his first and my favorite), They’re All Gonna Laugh At You, this past April at RSD and had to jump on this one, too. My two favorite skits are “Do It for Your Mama” and “The Hypnotist.” I laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh.

Bauhaus – Press The Eject And Give Me The Tape — Oddly enough, this is (outside of Adam Sandler) my favorite grab of the day. It’s the other “must-have” for The BCPF and she kept saying I was going to hate it, that I was going to look at her funny, that I was going to complain. None of that was true. Well, except for the looking at her funny part. I do that for sport. This was a great album of live weirdness recorded in London and Liverpool in 1981/1982. Great show and a great recording.

The following were picked up on Saturday and they are all $1 bin finds. The sale was 50% off $1 albums so, we made out good!

Carpenters – Carpenters — Their third studio album with “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “Superstar” among others. In an envelope sleeve. VG.

George Jones – I Am What I Am — The 1980 album with “He Stopped Loving Her Today” which I wouldn’t have bought without. The BCPF just rolled her eyes the whole time. VG.

Stevie Wonder – Music Of My Mind — 1972 album in which Stevie played all the instruments except the trombone and electric guitar (one song each). I haven’t listened to it, yet, so I don’t know what it’s like. VG.

Donovan – Barabajagal — Pure Donovan, this. Great stuff with great guests such as Jeff Beck, Ronnie Wood, Aynsley Dunbar, John Paul Jones, Rod Stewart, etc. It came out in 1969. VG+ (with the exception of a gash in the finale).

Unknown Artist – It’s A Small World — Yes, one of the most annoying earworms ever, but you know what? I love it. And, The BCPF found this and put it in our carry-out crate. So, here we have it. It’s pretty beaten up. G+.

So, that’s the haul. There was stuff left over at Underdog Records when we left on Friday morning, and I don’t know what happened yesterday, but it was probably a good day on both days for Jonathan. He puts his heart and soul into the RSD bonanzas and he was in a good mood, that’s always a plus. We love to see him smiling. But, Underdog Records is your place to go buy vinyl. No other store is needed. Listen to the next episode of The Less Desirables (on Wednesday) to hear what the TLD/UDR special of the week is.

Discogs already had these albums loaded up and it didn’t take anything for me to find them. Good job Discogs!

We had to do some extensive searching for a parking space when The BCPF and I went to Mary’s Gourmet Diner yesterday morning. The denizens of the Heavy Rebel Weekender were out in full force with their rusted-out Dragulas and slicked back hairdos. And, I mean all of that with love and respect. They own it and that’s how they want it to be. I dig it. Well, I dig them doing their thing. I get absolutely nothing out of that whole scene. So, we found a spot that Annabelle would fit in — she’s a small thing — and went on to Mary’s. We came out and there was a sea of folks down both Liberty and Trade Streets. Nope. On to Underdog for us! Here’s the haul:

a-ha – Hunting High And Low — I’ve been wanting this one for a while. I don’t believe I had it in any format before. I don’t know why. Well, this is the brand new Rhino reissue and we got two pairs, a neon orange and a neon green, of groovy 80s sunglasses. The whole thing is pretty good and is in the same vein as “Take on Me” and “The Sun Always Shines on TV.” New.

Bauhaus – Burning From The Inside — My good friend Michael and I went back and forth on who was going to get this album. He wanted it. The BCPF wanted. It was her first Bauhaus album and was what introduced her to the band. I liked the album. She was afraid I wouldn’t. I dug it. VG++.

Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston — Her debut album and the only one of hers that I remotely care about. I have said it before and I’ll repeat it here. When Mariah Carey showed up on the scene in 1990, Whitney lost all relevance to me. Mariah’s songs were better and her voice was just amazing. At least in the beginning. She lost me later on, but the first two Mariah albums were amazing. This Whitney album was pretty neat, too. This was #259 on the RS list. VG++.

Marvin Gaye – Midnight Love — The last album from Marvin Gaye, which was his biggest selling by which I presume happened because of his death not long after its release. It has “Sexual Healing” on it, which I’m not really a big fan of, never have been. All-in-all, it’s okay. VG+.

Eagles – On The Border — I don’t know if any band has ever created such a like/dislike debate or have been more polarizing than the Eagles. I like them, at least most of the Henley-sung stuff, myself. This had “Already Gone,” “James Dean” (which I hate), “Best of My Love” and the Tom Waits=penned “Ol’ 55.” VG.

Stevie Wonder – Hotter Than July – I really dig Stevie. Although I have to admit, this has some serious cheese on it. But, I love “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” and “Happy Birthday,” a song that pressed for MLK’s birthday to be a national holiday. It was deemed so just a few years later. VG++.

Toto – Hydra — Just like with Alan Parsons Project, I find that I like just about everything Toto does. I mean, what’s not to like? Also like APP, it’s a set of studio musicians and producers that were the cream of the crop at what they did and turned it into great songs and songwriting. “99” was probably the big hit on the album. VG++.

Rickie Lee Jones – The Magazine — We have two RLJ albums and both of them are fantastic. She has a great voice and is a very talented songwriter. VG++.

Jackson Browne – Jackson Browne — Browne’s debut album that we happened to find for $1. It has “Doctor My Eyes” and “Rock Me on the Water” on it. The cover is kind of beat up but the record is in really good shape. Even though it was $1 I’m going to say the vinyl was VG+.

Jackson Browne – Hold Out — Two Jackson Browne albums both in the $1 bin. Although critically the album has not been as well received as other Browne recordings, it remains his only album to date to reach number 1 on the Billboard chart. The sleeve and the record are at least VG but possibly VG+.

Kiss – Asylum — I didn’t get this one from Underdog Records. I bought it from the Discogs Marketplace. It cost me about $17 shipping and all and it is in VG+ shape. There’s a spot on the last track on Side B (“Uh! All Night) but it doesn’t affect the playability at all. It was a great transaction and filled the next spot in the KISSography. Crazy Nights is up next.

I loved seeing a good many people in the store, yesterday, at Underdog Records. It’s always fun when you get to see friends of yours, especially ones in the record collecting community, where you can talk shop and records and just enjoy the community. Keep an eye on the Underdog Records Facebook and Instagram feeds as Jonathan posts several times a day what he is putting out on the sales floor. There’s always something good coming in. There was no Underdog/TLD special this week as he was closed through Wednesday.

And, as I mentioned, I got that KISS album from the Discogs Marketplace. I really dig it. You can find deals, but you have to look for them. I had ordered Queensryche’s Rage For Order but the guy convinced me that shipping was astronomical and said he’d go ahead if I wanted to but it was really no problem to cancel. I did. Anyone else may have wanted to just make money and not care, or maybe he got burned from it in the past. I don’t know. He was honest and that was awesome. It’s a really good community over there. Try it if you’re looking for something. The Marketplace also deals cassettes and CDs as well.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“We’re talking away. I don’t know what I’m to say. I’ll say it anyway. Today’s another day to find you. Shying away. I’ll be coming for your love, OK? Take on me. Take me on. I’ll be gone in a day or two.” – “Take On Me” (Waaktaar/Furuholmen/Harket)

Yo La Tengo – There’s A Riot Going On – The BCPF really loves this band, who have been around for a long time and when this Indie-Exclusive Orange Vinyl 2xLP set came out, well she had to have it. And she got it. New.

Chet Baker – Chet – From what I hear, Chet Baker was a sad story. Mostly drugs, I’d say, but man, this cat was fantastic on the horn. The label said “the lyrical trumpet of Chet Baker” and I think that’s exactly right. His trumpet was like a vocalists’ voice, smooth and dreamy. And, the cover is awesome. He looks like James Dean. New.

Various – Souled Out – Adding to my K-Tel Collection, this one is all about the “soul.” Found it for $3 in the “just in ‘Used'” bin. VG+.

Donovan – Cosmic Wheels – A very fun and hilarious listen. Not that it’s all comedy but there are moments. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend listening to the tune, “The Intergalactic Laxative.” You won’t be disappointed. VG.

Sheena Easton – Sheena Easton – Her debut album. I always liked her voice so why not have it? It was called Take My Time in the UK but just eponymous here in the US. VG++.

Bob Marley & The Wailers – Babylon By Bus – A 2xLP live album featuring the Wailers. I still don’t really care for reggae as a whole but, man, I love listening to Bob Marley. This is really, really beaten up and has scratches and gashes throughout. I can’t listen to it often because I don’t want my needle ruined but it was fun to listen through. Fair condition, only. “Curvy,” whose name is scrawled on the labels didn’t take very good care of this. $1 bin find.

Parliament – Mothership Connection – This. Is. Awesome! #276 on the RS list. I liked it then and I love it even more now. I think I got more out of it this time. I wasn’t trying to plow through the list. I think that was the issue. But, this whole album is phenomenal. A VG $1 bin find. There was a “skip” and it was a perfect skip, right on the beat because I thought they were just doing a repetitious passage and it turns out it was skipping for about two minutes. I didn’t really let it go on that long.

Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song – The BCPF’s favorite Christmas album and there it was, in pretty good condition, with a $1 sticker on it. After confirming that we don’t already have it, it was quickly added.

Stevie Wonder – In Square Circle – The first Stevie I ever owned and it was on cassette. It was in the $1 bin yesterday and in pretty good shape, so yep!

Roberta Flack And Peabo Bryson – Live & More – More Roberta Flack and this time with Peabo Bryson. I can’t not say “why you trippin’ Peabo?!” every time I read his name. $1 bin find. VG.

Record store day is coming, April 21. Visit the RSD website for more information. There are no holds, no pre-orders, no prepays, and there will be a line early (some people even camp out overnight) but it’s fun and there’s a lot of unique things coming out. Underdog is ready and will have all but like four things. But, supplies are limited, when he’s out, he’s out. Everything is limited edition, too. Check out The Less Desirables to hear what this week’s TLD/UR special is. And use Discogs to catalog your collection!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Oh, the intergalactic laxative will get you from here to there. Relieve you and believe me, without a worry or care. If sh*tting is your problem when you’re out there in the stars, oh, the intergalactic laxative will get you from here to Mars.” – “The Intergalactic Laxative” (Leitch)

Let me say, a brand new needle on your turntable makes all the difference in the world! Everything sounds so crisp and amazing. The BCPF and I have been enjoying a long week together observing the 3-Feet Rule (no farther than three feet from each other for most of the vacation). In that, we also went by Underdog Records about four times altogether. It was a great vacay. So, needless to say, this is from all week. Plus, I marked five off of the RS List this week. Let’s get started:

N.W.A – Straight Outta Compton (#144 on the RS List; I really got it for another reason that I won’t say right now, but it’s another off the list; new)

So, a pretty good haul. And, again, with a new needle, it really all sounds great, even the older stuff. Underdog Records is open today until 2pm if you have a last minute thing to grab. He has specials, too. We use Discogs to archive our collection (hence the hyperlinks above).

From The BCPF and me, we hope your Christmas Eve is nothing shy of fantastic. It’s the day we do all the family stuff, traditionally and it’s my favorite of the two-day holiday. Love, happiness and lots of food for you all!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“Now it’s a mighty long way down the dusty trail. And, the sun burns hot on the cold steel rails. And, I look like a bum, and I crawl like a snail all the way from Memphis.” – “All the Way From Memphis” (Hunter)

This week’s edition is the Record Store Day-Black Friday (RSD) edition. But, it’s also the Small Business Saturday edition. Yes, The BCPF and I went to Underdog Records both days. The haul was less in terms of quantity but more in cost because it was new stuff that we were purchasing. There was one new release that hasn’t found its way onto Discogs, yet, so I’ll put it on here when it becomes available. I have three others that I have to put in myself and I’m hoping that I don’t have to do that with this one. Enough about that, let’s get on with it.

There were some really good things in there. We listened to a lot of things and, even the Stevie Wonder album was decent. Jonathan had warned us that it was awful. It wasn’t awful. Wasn’t great, either. But, we really enjoyed our listening time. We love Underdog Records. And, we love Discogs, too. It’s so easy to keep up with what we have that way.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“Spent the day in bed. Very happy I did, yes. I spent the day in bed as the workers stay enslaved. I spent the day in bed. I’m not my type, but I love my bed, and I recommend that you Stop watching the news! Because the news contrives to frighten you. To make you feel small and alone. To make you feel that your mind isn’t your own.” – “Spent the Day in Bed” (Manzur, Morrissey)

So, yeah, a lot of good additions and some great listening yesterday. Getting started in vinyl? Have a collection you want to part with? Have a collection that you’d like to listen to again? Check out Underdog Records for all your vinyl needs (and wants). And use Discogs to catalog them.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“Looking at the world through the sunset in your eyes, trying to make the train. Through clear Moroccan skies, ducks and pigs and chickens call. Animal carpet wall to wall. American ladies five foot tall in blue.” – “Marrakesh Express” (Nash)

Yesterday was a really great day for “rekkeds.” The BCPF and I met up with our buddy
Clay Howard at Underdog Records for some Saturday morning candy shopping. After we finished there, The BCPF and I went to Mary’s Gourmet Diner. While we were there, Clay sent a picture of something he purchased from the

Rescue Mission store. That’s basically across the street from Mary’s and we walked down there when we finished eating. I bought 17 rekkeds there (at $.50 per). So, I’ve split the haul between Underdog Records (the official vinyl sponsor of The Less Desirables) and what we grabbed at the RM. Here ya go:

From Underdog Records:

Kiss – Alive II (next in the KISS sequence and one of my favorites from my child hood. I spent more on this album than I ever have and hope to ever again, other than box sets).

So, there you go! A great haul as far as music goes. I have washed them all in my handy dandy system that The BCPF calls me washing my “rekked dishes.” Hopefully, some of those 50¢ albums will be worth listening to. Thanks for reading.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“What’s your name? Who’s your daddy? (He rich) Is he rich like me? Has he taken, any time (any time), (to show) to show you what you need to live? Tell it to me slowly (tell me what). I really want to know. It’s the time of the season for loving.” – “Time of the Season” (Argent)

That last segment of Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of All Time was pretty great, overall. I’m hoping this, the Top 30, will be just as fantastic. No time to waste, let’s hit it.

#30 – Blue by Joni Mitchell. The BCPF and I have recently learned the joys of Joni Mitchell. Yes, we had heard of her and heard her stuff, especially The BCPF as it’s in her wheelhouse. We just have gotten to know more about the music. Our summer Sundays on the lawn include dialing up some JM on Pandora and letting it play through. It wasn’t always her but when it was, we really enjoyed it. This was a catalyst for the whole modern singer-songwriter movement. Some people that guested on the album are James Taylor on three songs and Stephen Stills who played bass on the whole album. He does impressive work, too. I’m not quite sure what was going on, or the effect they were trying for during “This Flight Tonight” but it’s weird. I don’t not like it, it’s just weird. The title track is one of my faves from this album and “California.” Joni is a definite storyteller. It’s not just songwriting for the sake of writing a song, she has something to say and the lyrics are a vivid tale, not just rhyming babble. I like her piano playing, too. It’s simple but effective. “All I Want, “A Case of You” and “River” are also great tunes. I dug it!

#29 – Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin. From the first notes of “Good Times Bad Times,” it was on. This commercial hard rock was something new and exciting. Jimmy Page is pegged as a sloppy player a good bit and I’ll agree with that on his solos. But, I believe the man is one of the best rhythm and riff writers/players I’ve ever heard – refer to “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” and “Black Mountain Side” (both the rhythm and lead parts). Robert Plant was only 20 when this album was recorded. He had mature pipes for that age. John Bonham was also only 20. I can only imagine what people thought of the powerhouse drumming that he put on aural display when they heard it for the first time. I know that I have always been blown away by it and I am used to hard and heavy music. I know it goes against just about everything I ever say when I talk about blues and all that, as, for the most part, this album is chock-full of the stuff I hate. I’m not talking about blues-based or influenced stuff. I’m talking stuff like “You Shook Me” and “I Can’t Quit You Baby,” both written by Willie Dixon, by the way, which are certainly not my favorite tunes on the album, but I don’t always push next, either. On this album, Zep wasn’t afraid to bypass radio intentions and just put out a really good album, this is also evidenced in the fact that of nine songs on the album, only three of them are under four minutes. When it was time to play something on the radio, Jimmy Page made adjustments to the running time of “How Many More Times” on the album credits to read only “3:30” even though it’s really 8:27. This was so the radio stations would play it. Of course, that could be rumor and I can’t verify it; it only applies to the old LP copies. I guess no one took the time to actually look at the record itself to see how long a song actually was back then. I can tell the difference in a four minute song and an eight minute one just by looking at it. I know professional DJs could have. My faves on this album are “Good Times Bad Times,” “Communication Breakdown,” “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You,” “Dazed and Confused,” “How Many More Times” and “Your Time is Gonna Come.” Understanding the importance and significance of this album is key. I’d rate Zep II or IV in front of this album on the list, if it were me. But, I still dig it good bit.

#28 – Who’s Next by The Who. To me, this is The Who. The earlier stuff is fine and good; not all of it my cup of tea. But, this is where The Who got me.From the first arpeggiator-produced notes of “Baba O’Riley” into “Bargain” and “Love Ain’t for Keepin’,” the first part of the album is priceless. I am also a big fan of the last three songs, “Going Mobile,” “Behind Blue Eyes” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” The last song being what KISS got to be known for on their reunion tours on, although, really, they should stop using it, if they still do, because it’s not the original lineup and they’re not “fooling” anyone with that (for the record: I don’t at all mind the new lineup how they are). I won’t say I’m a big fan of John Entwhistle but, man, “The Ox” is a beast! I own this album on CD and I got it used on vinyl, although I haven’t listened to it on that, just yet; time hasn’t permitted it. I love the cover which shows the members having just urinated on a big concrete protrusion jutted in the middle of a spoil pit. I don’t know what to say about this album other than I really like it, if for nothing more than it’s just a great album.

#27 – The Joshua Tree by U2. Yes. This. More of this, please. It, along with Achtung Baby!, my two favorite U2 albums. I like most of what they did after and I like what they did before but this was what set them off. It was good stuff and more mature than the previous stuff, not that it was immature, it was just an evolution in songwriting that took them to these new heights. Produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, it had a more direct sound than just a lot of echo and ambiance. The lyrics were more pointed than most and it showed off how much U2 loved the USA and how much U2 loathed them. Politically, we don’t really put off a positive vibe to the rest of the world. We’re standoffish and don’t play well with others. Socially, we tend to take our stance to either help or hinder other places, however it best works for our own advancement. Yeah, we get it. That’s just how we are. There are times it’s better and times it’s worse. We’re moody like that. That discontent is shown prominently in the song “Bullet the Blue Sky” which is one of my faves of the band. It’s a much better use of that riff than the oafish Ted Nugent in “Stranglehold.” This has a groove, the other… well it has Ted Nugent. No better reason not to listen than it being him. Anywhat! The song was originally written about our intervention into the Salvadorian civil war and how we handled it, according to an interview with Bono on the @U2 website. The other side of that, though, is the love of American gospel music, our freedoms, the people and the beauty of the land. The album’s title alone is all about the desert, the wide openness and the wonder of it all. The gospel-esque “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” showed the love of our southern-laced music. It wasn’t all just us, though, there were parts that were about other places, like “Where the Streets Have No Name.” It’s about identity and residence; how you can tell about a person from where they live. “One Tree Hill” was written for a fallen friend of Bono. “Mothers of the Disappeared” is about the families of the children who “disappeared” in El Salvador and Nicaragua. It means they were abducted, or probably more than likely killed for political gains. My favorite song on the entire album is “With or Without You.” Just the way Bono sings it combined with the ethereal guitar parts from The Edge, I find it to be a fantastic song and reminds me of a time when I hated U2 (what I knew of them) because it wasn’t the other pop drivel I had come to love. I know better, now, considering them one of my top 10 acts, if not top 5. It doesn’t have a bad song on it. I LOVE this album.

#26 – Rumours by Fleetwood Mac. Make sure you spell it right… the British way. Another monster album. It seems this part of the list is where you’re going to start really getting into the meat of it all. I mean, it’s the top 30 albums of all time, right? So, yeah, a monster album. It is full, and I mean full, of awesome songs. From the opening, chugging notes of “Second Hand News” there’s not a dull moment or bad note, much less a bad song, through the fade out of “Gold Dust Woman.” The band, while probably in some constant state of f’ed up, was firing on all cylinders on this album musically. Mick Fleetwood was a solid drummer and probably still is, although at 69, I believe he needs a little backup on that. Christine McVie (whose maiden name is actually Perfect) is cranking, not tickling, the ivories throughout and while I never thought she had the greatest voice, she is a fantastic songwriter and pianist and a good singer. Lindsey Buckingham was always a mystery to me. I never knew he was that good of a guitar player but the coolest part is that he’s a finger picker. I don’t know if he ever uses a pick, it sounds like he probably does through the strumming part but his finger-picking style gives a different timbre to the tonality of his playing. It’s not as bright but is still quite prominent. I think that’s quite unique. I am always talking about the bass players and, well, John McVie (the “Mac” in Fleetwood Mac) is solidly planted at the bottom end. I use the bass line of “The Chain” to get levels when I play out. Not too tough but enough to get a tonal range. That and it’s fun. On this album he doesn’t “go off” but he’s the foundation of the sound. Stevie Nicks was there to be beautiful and raspy. I kid about that. She’s a great voice and songwriter and she was quite beautiful. She still is. “Songbird” is one of the most underrated songs, ever. Christine McVie is on it and that “good voice” is velvety and emotional. The same for “Oh Daddy.” That song is emotional and dark. The whole feel of the song is dark and beautiful. “I Don’t Want to Know” is a bounce-happy trip from Stevie and Lindsey written by Nicks back in the days they performed as a duo before joining Fleetwood Mac. Again, not a bad song anywhere to be found. It could easily be top 15, in my opinion. I love this album (I also own it on vinyl).

#25 – Live at the Apollo by James Brown. Okay, I don’t get it. Listening to this was about as much fun as watching a local church Christmas play. I understand that it was laying a precedence for the marketability of James Brown and it laid groundwork for the future of R&B music. And, I get that is should be on the countdown. I just think that place should have been in the high 400s. Not the 25th greatest album of all time. I couldn’t wait until it was over and it was less than 32 minutes long. This is not the fun and exciting James Brown that we come to know and love. This was just songs performed by a yeller and his three cronies. Now, that sounds harsher than I mean it. The James Brown I know was bombastic, energetic and loud. This was early, I get it, but it just wasn’t fun to listen to, history and significance be darned. I just didn’t care for it. I did like “Night Train,” so there’s that.

#24 – Innervisions by Stevie Wonder. This album has my absolute favorite Stevie song on it: “Living For the City.” There’s just something about that song that has a great groove, a good story and his vocals are incredible. And the Fender Rhodes never sounded better. On the album is the very extended version of the song. It includes a black man being arrested for being black in the city that I’m assuming is NYC. It’s pretty telling, really. I never thought Stevie a political one but it was a jab at prejudice, I think. And, he plays every single instrument and sound on this song, that’s just amazing. The same goes for the opening track, “Too High,” too. His jazz drumming and synth bass playing is out of this world. Stevie’s vocals are airy on “Visions” and the song is beautiful; amazingly so. I am seeing that Stevie connects all his songs in the mastering process. The fade out goes into the next tune, except when it’s time to change a side. The first time I ever noticed it was on the cassette for In Square Circle when I was a kid. I am pretty sure it happened on Songs in the Key of Life, too. As much as I really do like the Chili Peppers’ version of “Higher Ground,” it doesn’t hold a candle to the groove of this version. It’s slower, yeah, but it’s more groove. Again, Stevie does it all himself. Other greats: “All in Love is Fair,” “Golden Lady,” “Don’t Worry ‘Bout a Thing” and “He’s Misstra Know-It-All.” I’ve already alerted Jonathan at Underdog Records to keep an eye out for this coming in, used or otherwise. I really, really dug this album. Stevie at his best.

#23 – Plastic Ono Band by John Lennon. I have heard a lot of these songs but I’ve never heard this album, Lennon’s first “solo” album; released 21 days after I was born. A cool thing is Ringo Starr played drums on it. “Mother” is a bit creepy. After reading the story behind it, it is even more creepy. Lennon went through primal therapy with some quack that made him relive the hardest times of his childhood instead of analytical discussions. It brought some darkness out in him, for sure. “Hold On” is a good song, very stripped down to just guitar, bass and drums. Not really a fan of “I Found Out,” though. “Working Class Hero” is another dark and miserable song, but I really like it. It’s a precursor to grunge, I’d say. I don’t know if I’d be correct, but that’s what I’ll say. It’s a commentary on class and perception, I’m figuring. “Isolation” has some really cool chord progressions and dissonant chords. I dig it. I don’t know if he felt much isolation by this time. Phil Spector plays piano on “Love,” which is a little bit of fresh air after all the depressing songs that precede it. I was thrown off by the little instrumental interlude before the end of the song; the song disappeared and came back. “Well Well Well” is just an abundance of screaming. I can’t find any redeeming qualities about it, really. Billy Preston plays piano on “God” where Lennon pretty much questions everything and I can’t blame him for that. It’s a beautiful song, though, musically. And the album ends as morbidly as it starts and keeps with the sad theme, “My Mummy’s Dead.” I like John Lennon. He’s never been my favorite Beatle, or even my second fave, probably. I’m used to his stuff being better than this. That doctor (and Yoko) really messed him up. Other than a few flashes, I really couldn’t get into this album. For the three or four songs I did like, I’ll say I dug it, but just barely.

#22 – The Complete Recordings by Robert Johnson. I know this is “classic” and I may go back and listen but it’s a compilation, so not on here.

#21 – The Great Twenty-Eight by Chuck Berry. Again, probably “missing out” but it’s a compilation. Didn’t want to end the segment on that, but oh well, it’s on the list that way.

So, for the most part, this was a dynamite segment! Leave off the James Brown and the two comps and I’ve got six really strong dugs or loves and a mediocre (to me) John Lennon album. I have two albums to go and 10 days to do it in. I hope to have it done and done right. I’m not streaking through, I’m just not dragging my feet. Okay, that’s all.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“This guy comes up to me, his face red like a rose on a thorn bush. Like all the colors of a royal flush. And, he’s peeling off those dollar bills; slapping them down: one hundred, two hundred. And I can see those fighter planes. And I can see those fighter planes. Across the mud huts where the children sleep, through the alleys of a quiet city street, you take the staircase to the first floor. Turn the key and slowly unlock the door as a man breathes into a saxophone. And, through the walls you hear the city groan. Outside is America. Outside is America. Across the field you see the sky ripped open, see the rain through a gaping wound pounding on the women and children who run into the arms of America.“ – “Bullet the Blue Sky” (Clayton, Evans, Herman, Mullen, Hewson, Toure)

The last segment of the Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of All Time was intense. Some great stuff in that. We’re now in the Top 60. I’m whittling them down one piece at a time and speaking of which… let’s hit it!

#60 – Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band. Anyone want to guess what I know about Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band? Think about it for a second, I’ll wait. (whistles… taps foot… raps fingers on table)… That’s right I know absolutely nothing about them. In fact, other than maybe in passing, I’ve never even heard of them. Yes, I know that floors you, Dear Reader, and yet, comes as no surprise, whatsoever. All that said, I really wish I still didn’t know who it was and I really wish I hadn’t heard this. I remember being in high school, having only played the bass for about 2 years and getting together with a bunch of other high school musicians who also hadn’t played very long and never in a “band.” What we pulled out of our arses noodling around on instruments we barely knew our way around sounded 800x better than this. The mere fact that Frank Zappa had anything to do with it makes me question my respect for him and that was spotty to begin with. I did some research to find out more about the album before I passed harsh judgement but nothing in my readings made me feel any better about this. All I read was about how important it is and how the Magic Band was a “well-rehearsed” band for these recordings. The construction site across from the studio makes better music than this when they’re running the cement mixer, running a brick saw, riveting aluminum studs and hauling stuff around the building on heavy equipment. This is an hour+ that I will never get back. I don’t care about the “importance” of it, it sucks. Pure and simple. It’s gawd-awful. The fact that it’s on this list at all, much less Top 60? That is an atrocity. There’s no explaining to me how important or fantastic it is, because no matter the significance, there’s no changing that I got a headache from it and wanted to step in front of a passing city bus while and after listening to it. I hated this.

#59 – Chronicle by Creedence Clearwater Revival. 20 “greatest hits.”

#58 – Beggar’s Banquet by The Rolling Stones. With the exception of a few songs, this is certainly not my favorite Stones album. There are so many Stones albums that could have sat this high, in my opinion. I’ve never made it a secret that I don’t like the bluesier stuff. This was a return to their roots (read: more blues) than the nearest previous stuff. To ME, this is less Stones than I’m used to. I know, too, that it was the last album released while Brian Jones was alive. So, there’s some kind of creepiness there, although I’m used to hearing stuff from people who have passed on. I remember listening to Pearl, it was creepy knowing that Janis had died after recording it, even one song instrumental because she died mere days before the scheduled vocal session. Creepy. Okay, sorry. To me, this album drags, almost the whole time. I like “Sympathy for the Devil” (one of my favorite Stones songs) and “Street Fighting Man.” But, the rest, meh. I can look back on this entire list and find almost any other Stones album and put it before this one. I’m not saying it doesn’t belong on the list, I get its importance. I just think most of the other albums on this list should, could or would be higher. Even the last that we listened to, Sticky Fingers, much better album than this. Tattoo You, Some Girls, all should have been higher than this, certainly higher than they were. I don’t get it, other than that roots mess. Meh, at best.

#57 – Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder. I’ll admit that this is what I listened to after Captain Beefheart and it was so refreshing to hear actual rhythms that made sense and notes that sounded like they belonged with each other. Again, the beauty you got with many of the Stevie Wonder albums is the fact that he played, not only his own instruments but most of the instrumentation was done by him. Of course, he had guest players and this there was a great deal of them: “Maniac” Mike Sambello, Nathan Watts, Raymond Pounds, George Benson, Minnie Riperton, Herbie Hancock, just to name a few. The guest list was extensive. It’s jazz, it’s rock, it’s R&B, it’s soul, it’s everything. Great ballads, jammy jazz riffs and swinging horn sections, oh yeah! “Sir Duke.” ‘Nuff said with that. Well, maybe not ’nuff said. This album would be worth it alone just for that tune. Luckily, there’s a shload more on here to enjoy in addition. How in the world did I not know that Coolio totally ripped off Stevie with “Pastime Paradise?” I was like what the heck is that!? And, Coolio had any room to get upset when ‘Weird Al’ used “Gangsta Paradise” as one of his parodies? Yeah, perhaps he had permission from Stevie to use it, but still, it was only partly his to complain about. This version is the best of all of them, I say. I have to say, too, that synth basses in 1976 were actually more advanced than I realized. Stevie plays the crap out of it, too. The runs are like someone actually playing bass. When it is bass, it’s Nathan Watts.”I Wish,” “Isn’t She Lovely” and “Joy Inside My Tears” are some of my faves on this album. I have the video for the Classic Albums series on this album. I’ll have to break that out and watch it again. Great album from a great artist! DUG!

#56 – Elvis Presley by Elvis Presley. The King. I’ve never been a fan, but I’ve never really disliked him, either. I’ve recognized his contributions but haven’t given him a fair shake, and I’ll fully admit that; I’m not proud of it. The one that started it all. To many, it’s what actually started the rock and roll movement, setting the tone and path that pretty much everything that has been released since has followed. Even the mighty Beatles, Beach Boys, Rolling Stones pretty much owe their existence to this album, in my opinion. I certainly recognize its importance. The funny thing about this album is there are no songs over 2:43 long. So much RnR history in 28 minutes. The legendary musicians that contributed to this album is also worth mentioning: Floyd Cramer, Chet Atkins, Shorty Long and D.J. Fontana along with Elvis’ backers, Bill Black and Scotty Moore make this album a good record. These aren’t my favorite Elvis tunes, by any means, but the album is well recorded and mixed even for 1956. Some of it, I can hear and picture that rushed, deliberate performances that was common and expected from that era. A culmination of rock, soul and country & western all on one album. That would be all but unheard of these days. It’s a really good album and I promise myself, and you, Dear Listener, I’ll try to get to more Elvis and give it that “fair shake” I mentioned earlier. Some of my faves: “Blue Suede Shoes,” “I Got a Woman,” “I Love You Because,” “I’ll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin’),” “Blue Moon” and “Money Honey.” This was the first rock and roll record to sell one million copies, which makes sense since it was one the first rock records. I dug it!

#55 – Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix. After the last Hendrix album I was apprehensive, especially since I’ve never really been a Hendrix fan. I don’t know what it was, but as luck would have it, it was a rare instance where I listened to one of the albums via headphones. That really has only happened on about four albums over the course of this entire countdown. No more than six. This is definitely what my buddy, Eug would call a “headphones album.” Lots of panning effects and not just sitting stationary in one position. Plus, the whole album is atmospheric and full “bodied.” The imagery of the subject matter is also vibrant. This is well, written and mostly well executed stuff. There are plenty of guest spots on this album, too: Brian Jones, Steven Winwood, Dave Mason, Buddy Miles, Al Kooper and the list goes on. One thing, I don’t want to hear anyone ever talk about how sloppy Jimmy Page’s playing is without at least acknowledging that Jimi was, too. I mean, c’mon… There’s part of this that it’s a mess, albeit a beautifully mastered mess. It’s a long album with two songs coming in over 10 minutes. On vinyl it was four sides. Some of my favorites were: “Crosstown Traffic,” “Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland),” “Rainy Day, Dream Away,” “1983… (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)” even though it was almost 14 minutes long, “Still Raining, Still Dreaming,” “All Along the Watchtower” and, of course, “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return).” This was a good Hendrix album to listen to. Experimental but still rock and what I’d expect from him. I dug it!

#54 – The Birth of Soul: The Complete Atlantic Rhythm and Blues Recordings 1952-1959 by Ray Charles. A long title. Maybe the longest of the countdown. And, it’s Ray Charles. But, not enough make me review a compilation.

#53 – Meet the Beatles by The Beatles. Talk about confusing. There’s US releases and UK releases and, generally, they’re not in the same “canon.” At least when it comes to other artists. With the Beatles (not a pun), it’s really hard to separate them. I had to piece this album together because the box set that I got was obviously the UK versions (the ones that I really want anyway) and what is offered on Rhapsody (Napster), are also the UK versions. I have all the albums and all the songs are scattered throughout them, in way or another. “I Want To Hold Your Hand” is on Past Masters, as is “This Boy.” “I Saw Her Standing There” was on Please, Please Me. Everything else was on With the Beatles. I believe it was supposed to be the equivalent of Meet… but it’s not an exact match. I’ve not looked ahead but I wonder if With… is on the list? We’ll see. I’ve always thought of the earliest Beatles era as important but I’ve always been less excited about it. This was helping to establish rock and roll, I get that, but to me The Beatles really kicked in about A Hard Day’s Night, even though that wasn’t my fave either. It was Help! that really set me off on the Beatles-train. Rubber Soul/Revolver stepped it up and then all the experimental and fancy-schmancy stuff later was my absolute favorite. All that being said, some of my favorite tunes (covers or not) are on this album: “All I’ve Got To Do,” “Till There Was You,” “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and “I Wanna Be Your Man.” I’d say if I was picking one to be my fave from here, it would be “Till There Was You.” As a collection goes, it’s fine, but I’d just as soon stick with With the Beatles. I dug it, though.

#52 – Greatest Hits by Al Green. A collection of 10 songs with an album cover showing
Reverend Al topless and looking all sexy and stuff. Still, it’s a compilation and it’s skipped.

#51 – Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Simon and Garfunkel. Another album released in the year of my birth, 1970, this one is older, by 10 months. It’s the fifth album and is the swan song for the duo, each going their own way. I’m thinking it was a bit contentious, who’s with me? The album starts with the sweet “lean on me” themed title track. There were rumors that the song was about drugs (“silver girl”), but it wasn’t. Apparently, it’s about Peggy, Paul Simon’s then-wife. I love the overall feel of this album. There’s tension and there are times you can sense it but even with the deteriorating relationship of the duo going on they’re able to keep it together and make it work, even renting a house in L.A. while Art was filming Catch-22. They experimented with sounds and effects, much used during the song “Cecilia,” which is one of my favorite S&G tunes. “The Boxer,” another fave, is probably the one that took the longest to record. From what I understand, it started in 1968 and was recorded in several places over the course of almost two years. While he was the more prolific of the two, I think Paul Simon was jealous of the growing popularity of Art Garfunkel. “The Only Living Boy in New York” was the product of feeling lonely in NYC while Art was filming in Mexico. The last tune on the album, “Song for the Asking,” from what I’ve read, was like Simon and Garfunkel, each trying to reconcile and keep the channels open for future opportunities to work together. I believe they only did spot reunions after that. A landmark album that instead of boosting the duo was the sunset for them. Simon, of course, went on to monster success as a solo guy and Art didn’t do too bad, as far as I can tell. It’s a great album. Great, well-written tunes and it’s S&G, hard to go wrong with that, yeah? DUG!

So, this segment had three compilations. That sped things along, but I’d rather have heard something than skipping. Also, I was “treated” to pond water in that Captain Beefheart mess. The Stones album was a meh. Other than that, what I listened to was good and I dug them. It’s also a segment that had both a Stones and Beatles album on it. I thought that was neat. Next segment, I crack the top 50. I can’t wait, either! Thanks for reading along!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“Please allow me to introduce myself. I’m a man of wealth and taste. I’ve been around for a long, long year; stole many a man’s soul to waste.” – “Sympathy for the Devil” (Richards/Jagger)

The last segment of the Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of All-Time was fantastic and I’m hoping this one will be, too. I’m not going to waste time talking about it, let’s delve, shall we?

#90 – Talking Book by Stevie Wonder. One thing that I have always loved about Stevie, other than he’s just awesomely funky-n-groovy? That on many of his albums and tracks, he plays most of the instruments himself. Lots of clavinets happening on this album and other great keyboard spots. He plays the drums, synth basses, a bit of everything. That and guest spots from Ray Parker, Jr., Jeff Beck, Deneice Williams, “Buzz” Feiten make this album even more spectacular. Stevie’s use of melody and orchestration fills the cracks and holes (not in quality, just covers the speakers) with aural splendor. The ultra-powerful and urgent, “Superstition” is there and offset by the sweetness of “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and “You and I” and “You’ve Got It Bad Girl.” There’s range and spread on this album and that’s a great thing. Groove and shuffle, intensity and tenderness, bits of it all. I dug this album and thought it was well composed.

#89 – Dusty in Memphis by Dusty Springfield. Dusty Springfield has such a smooth, silky and sultry voice. It’s standard soul and R&B that breathes sexy life into some serious Carole King and Jerry Goffin music. The couple co-wrote four of the tunes. Randy Newman wrote two. Other writing credits belong to Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Eddie Hinton, Donnie Fritts, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Michel Legrand, Burt Bacharach, Hal David, John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins, the latter two co-wrote what was probably her signature song, “Son of a Preacher Man.” That song is one of the sexiest ever, in my opinion and holy smokes! Tony Cogbill is a heck of a bass player. He’s all over the place and that is a good thing! My favorite songs are, of course, “…Preacher…,” “Don’t Forget About Me,” “The Windmills of Your Mind” which reminds me of something from a James Bond film, sexy and dark. I love the gospel-like choir on “No Easy Way Down,” too. There’s so much power in her music and in these songs it’s easy to get lost in them. This is a fantastic album. I DUG it!

#88 – At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash. Johnny seems to have fun at this show as do the audience members. He messes up a few times and doesn’t let that stop him or slow him down. He entertains and they love it. Cash speaks to the “less desirables,” the down trodden, the working man and common folk; he always did. Energy unleashed, this is rock and roll goodness that’s honest and genuine; at least in the delivery. He’s not afraid to chuckle at things happening in the audience or at himself. He brings June Carter up to do a few songs with him and she sings backup on out. Now, I had to piece this together as I wanted to hear the original track listing as that’s what I’m listening to on this. There was a bunch of other songs that got rid of so I could keep the original in tact. I may go back and listen to the others soon, as I’m sure they’re worth it. I really liked the album. Dug.

#87 – The Wall by Pink Floyd. My favorite Pink Floyd album. For one, because I’m a sucker for concept albums, even if I don’t get the story the first time around. Another, and more importantly, I’d say, is that it was the first Pink Floyd I ever heard. Yes, we chalk it up as yet another check on the “I’m from West Virginia and my parents listened to country music” tally of life. Neither of those, by the way are knocks nor mock on the facts. We didn’t have radio stations that played Pink Floyd, or anything like that until around 1981 or 1982. Ma Mère listened to gospel or older pop stuffs like Leslie Gore or folksy stuff like Peter, Paul & Mary. Ma Père listened to country. Tears-in-beer country. Plus, none of my friends listened to Pink Floyd, so I had no exposure, at all. I do remember walking into a record store on Main Street in Welch, WV, looking for KISS’ Unmasked (1980) album and seeing a cardboard cutout of the album cover and Gerald Scarfe posters that were associated with the album. I moved to WSNC, as I’ve said countless times, in 1986 and there was a reissue of “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” around 1987-88 or so and I bought it on 45. I had just started listening to the local classic rock station and got more familiar with some other Floyd songs. I decided, sometime later, to buy The Wall, but it was in or after 1990 because I didn’t buy my first CD player until December 27, 1989. I did have Delicate Sound of Thunder on cassette (it was released two days after my 18th birthday) and heard three of the songs that way. Anywhat! All that to say, I love the album and with the exception of a song or so (can we say “Bring the Boys Back Home?”). My faves are (all three) “Another Brick in the Wall,” “Goodbye Blue Sky,” “Young Lust,” “Hey You,” “Comfortably Numb” and “Run Like Hell.” I love the album.

#86 – Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen. I think this is the first time in a bit, if not the entire list, that I have two albums in a row that I actually own. It may have happened. But, I’m pretty positive that it is the first time that I own two in a row on vinyl. Sadly, I didn’t have time to listen to this on vinyl at home. I’ll try to do a vinyl listen soon, if I have something that is available on it. That’s something that I’ve not done since I’ve started this countdown. It’ll be fun. When I first heard the first single, “Dancing in the Dark,” believe it or not, that was the first time I heard of Bruce Springsteen. Yeah, yeah, I know, but it really was. Chalk it up to my total immersion into KISS and just breaking out of the mold. And, here’s the other thing, I hated it, every bit of it. I don’t know that I heard “Cover Me” (the second single until much later. If I did, I probably turned it off or went out to play or something. I’ve mostly come around to who I used to call Spruce Bedspring over the years. Most of that with the help of my friend Beth who is the biggest Springsteen fan I have ever met or even ever heard of. To me, though, at the time, the title track and to some extent “Dancing…” sounds like he’s just yelling the whole time. I just wanted to shout back “just shut up!” Now, fast forward to now. I don’t know how I feel about “Darlington County” but the rest of the album (if you take into account I like more laid-back and alternative versions of the title track) is fantastic. Of course, my favorite tune (since I asked for it and did it at the VSS Springsteen show) is “I’m on Fire.” It’s a sultry little number. I loved the video, too. “My Hometown” and “Glory Days” are also faves of mine. There are some throwaways, at least to me, such as “Working on the Highway” and the aforementioned “Darlington County.” “Downbound Train” and “I’m Goin’ Down” make up for both of those, though. There were seven singles released on this album. While none of the songs are virtuosity tunes or even particularly intrinsic or complex, that’s not what this album was about it, I don’t think. It was just putting out a good album. This is that. Great even. I really dug it.

#85 – Lady Soul by Aretha Franklin. It’s like being in church, at least what I feel a southern African American church would sound like to be in. It’s almost like heaven (purposely not capitalized) was singing down on its people the whole time you listened to this. There’s some hefty love ambition and ooey-gooeiness, too. That’s good stuff. Now, my question is why does this deserve to be higher than say, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music, Giant Steps, The Bends, At Last! or Stand!? I thought this was a good album, great even, but it’s not better than those. I hear some iconic songs but they’re not so iconic to beat the stuff from those other albums. Top 500? Yes, Top 100? Not to me and just my opinion. Great stuff on this includes: “Chain of Fools,” “People Get Ready,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “Groovin'” even though there’s not a bad song on the album. And, she co-wrote a couple of the tunes, at that. I dug it.

#84 – I Never Loved a Man the Way I LoveYou by Aretha Franklin. Yep, two in a row from the “queen of soul.” Like Lady Soul and I’m figuring a lot of her stuff, she co-wrote some of the tunes on this album, including “Dr. Feelgood (Love is Serious Business) and no, not the Mötley Crüe version. The song that I figure is most associated with Miss Franklin, “Respect” is on this album, as is “I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You)” which I don’t think I ever knew the title of the song, but was well aware of it. It’s in a lot of movies and commercials. One thing I find with her, especially on this album, is how even at this age (she was 24 when she recorded this), she goes between a mighty young thing to sounding like she sounds now at the age of 74. The example of this is “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man.” I like Aretha, I really do. I think she truly is the queen of soul. However, her status and accolades notwithstanding, I just don’t get how this album, like the one before it on this countdown are any better than most of the albums that were in the top 200-100? Does it deserve to be on this list, absolutely and I dig it, but I still don’t think it’s Top 100 material. Not a knock on the album, I just think some stuff is better. Dug.

#83 – Axis: Bold as Love by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Um… “EXP” was a bit trippy. “Spanish Castle Magic” is heavy and is awesome. “Wait Until Tomorrow” is a fun little ride. I especially like “Little Wing.” I think the bell was a nicely added touch. In “If 6 Was 9” I believe I’m getting a bit of rebellion. Rebellion against the establishment. “White collared conservative flashing down the street. Pointing their plastic finger at me. They’re hoping soon my kind will drop and die. But, I’m gonna wave my freak flag high, high.
Wave on, wave on.” Speak it brother. I really think, though it was more about pushing individualism, not conforming to the status quo. That’s what I get anyway. I find that while some of it is in there, this album is missing a lot of the “Jimi Flair” that I expect with Hendrix albums. That does not mean that there aren’t great songs on the album. It’s just not what I expected. I’ve never been a fan of Hendrix, but was expecting a bit more from it. Now, I like this and think there’s great tunes happening on here. I liked it better than I thought I would. I just think it sounds like they were doing exactly what they set out to do: put something out because they were contractually obligated to do so. I think it was rushed and even though there’s some innovative things on here, it still sounds a bit rushed and the feel fabricated. Still, it was a Hendrix album that I liked. Dug.

#82 – Harvest by Neil Young. Yep. It’s Neil Young. Brilliant songwriter, horrible voice. The orchestrations and instrumentation on this album is out of sight. This was the immediate result after Young left Crosby Stills & Nash. He went country. “A Man Needs a Maid” is the first true bit of genius I get from this album. The first two tunes, “Out on the Weekend” and the title track are fine but “…Maid” is a fantastic song. I could (and did, listen to that a few times). “Heart of Gold” is Neil Young, to me. Crunchy, yet meaty. I like that tune. “Old Man” reminds me of something that CSN would have done but actually sing it better. Not taking away from Young, here. I’m just thinking it could have been done by CSN. There’s more of the fantastic orchestration (performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, by the way) on “There’s a World.” If he had made an album full of stuff like this and “…Maid,” I’d have been searching the world over for the vinyl version. “Alabama” is the precursor (along with “Southern Man” from After the Gold Rush) to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s response in “Sweet Home Alabama.” Even though I don’t really hear the disparaging remarks in the song. I read the lyrics and it seemed there was truth, but I guess no one likes to be told they’re ugly (I know it was more than that, it’s metaphorical). “The Needle and the Damage Done” is a classic, sad and beautiful song, recorded live in January of 1971. All in all, this album is a good one, it’s a good jump from his days in CSN and a good direction for him. I like about 8 of the 10 songs. Good work, Mr. Young. I dug it!

#81 – The Clash by The Clash. This is the UK version of the album. The Clash have a way to make their angst sound fun. There’s 14 songs on this album and I don’t really care anything about any of them. “White Riot” is pretty good, but the rest of it was background as I wrote for The Man Who Walked the Town. It’s just not my bag. I will say, though, that I like The Clash tons more than The Ramones. I will never get that, at all. I really liked The Clash in their later years. The more poppy stuff was, to me, much better than this. Not saying it is bad, just saying it does nothing for me. But, as I said, even through the politics and angst, they have a weird poppy feel and is that reggae I hear in there? A little. Not a bad album, just nothing I care about. Meh.

I got through this segment pretty fast. Still wondering about those Aretha records being this high on the chart, but they are landmark ones for her. Great start of this round and it gradually got me less enthusiastic by the end, but, there’s not a bad album on this segment. Again, we must be in the top 90 with this. Can’t wait to see what the next segment brings.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Sometimes it’s like someone took a knife, baby, edgy and dull and cut a six inch valley
through the middle of my soul.” – “I’m on Fire” (Springsteen)